Why does Nestlé implement the WHO Code in different ways in developed countries compared to developing countries?
The WHO Code was adopted as a recommendation to governments to implement it as appropriate to their social and legislative framework. This means that countries have the prerogative to implement the WHO Code as they see most appropriate to their own circumstances and as a result, there is a lack of standard regulations, impartial and transparent monitoring. In developed countries, Nestlé fulfills its obligations in implementing the WHO Code and monitoring its own practices by following national regulation and legislation. This is the only way to respect each country’s prerogative to take action to “give effect to the principles and aim of the Code in ways that are appropriate to their social and legislative framework and their overall development objectives” (WHO Code, art. 11.1). In all developing countries, Nestlé has been voluntarily and unilaterally applying the WHO Code since 1982, whether or not national regulations exist. We follow national legislations when these are stricter th
